Hot forming lubricant composition, system and method

ABSTRACT

A lubricant composition and system for use in hot forming of metals, such as forgings, pressings, extrusions, tube drawings, piercings and wire drawings. The composition comprises a suspension of exfoliated vermiculite particles in an organic film forming liquid composition, with the film forming composition being partially absorbed by and contained in the interplatelet spaces of said vermiculite particles. The organic film forming composition is either water soluble, water emulsifiable or nonaqueous.

United States Patent Livingston et al. 5] Dec. 9, 1975 [5 HOT FORMINGLUBRICANT 3.813.335 5/1974 Drobich et al 252/28 COMPOSITION, SYSTEM ANDMETHOD [75] Inventors: Howard J. Livingston, Jericho; primaryExaminer*De|ben E. Gamz Ballard Etienne Esquene" Assistant Examiner-l.Vaughn Whltestonet both of Attorney, Agent, or FirmPhilip D. Amins [73]Assignee: Chemclean Corporation, College Point, NY.

[22] Filed: May 28, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 473,343 4 Alubricant composition and system for use In hot forming of metals, suchas forgings, pressings, extru- [52] U.S. Cl. 252/21; 252/28; 252/52sions, tube drawings, piercings and wire drawings. The 252/52; 252/56 R;252/56 D; 252/5 3; 72/42 composition comprises a suspension ofexfoliated verl llli- C01!" COIM COlM miculite particles in an organicfilm forming liquid COIM composition, with the film forming compositionbeing Field of Search m 52 A, 56 partially absorbed by and contained inthe interplate- 252/56 56 72/42 let spaces of said vermiculiteparticles. The organic film forming composition is either water soluble,water [56] References Clted emulsifiable or non-aqueous.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.34:,454 9/1967 Chor et a] 252/21 23 Claims, 3Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 1 of3 3,925,214

WATER SOLUBLE SYSTEM WORKING AREA VERMICULITE LIGNIN SULFONATE q q 0 a zw w 5 BY WEIGHT OF VERMICULITE Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 2 0f3 3,925,214

WATER EMULSIFIABLE SYSTE M VERMICULITE WORKING ACRYLIC AREA EMULSION 2O3O 4O BY WEIGHT OF ACRYLIC EMULSION U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 3 of3 3,925,214

NON-AQUEOUS SYSTEM 30 I J E 5', VERMICULITE 2 I E PARAFFINIC PETROLEUMOIL I 5 WORKING cunvs I O l I I I w IO 2 I I I I I I I00 90 so 70 BYWEIGHT OF PARAFFINIC PETROLEUM FIG. 3

HOT FORMING LUBRICANT COMPOSITION, SYSTEM AND METHOD BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION The present invention pertains to a new and novel system andmethod for hot forming of metal parts and employs a new compositionwhich may be formulated to be water soluble, water emulsifiable ornon-aqueous. The hot forming contemplated is in the making of forgings,pressings, extrusions, tube drawings, piercings and wire drawings all ofwhich are usually performed at temperatures in excess of 700 F. and,specifically in the range between 600 F. to 3000 F. The lubricant systemis primarily intended for use in the production of forgings orpressings, and in particular, in the forging of ferrous metals, hightemperature metals and high temperature alloys.

The production of a hammered or pressed forging is accomplished bytaking a hot slug or a hot partially shaped part and squeezing orhammering the slug between two dies. The pressure exerted on the slugcauses the flow of hot metal over the surface of the die and into thecavities provided therein. The application of pressure is for a veryshort period of time or in successive short increments so that theremust occur an almost instantaneous flow of metal in order to produce thedesired shape of the metal article. If this procedure were to beattempted without proper lubrication, the surface of the die and theslug would tend to adhere to one another. More particularly, thefrictional forces between the two parts would prevent proper filling ofthe die and the die recesses.

The combination of heat and pressure has a tendency to weld or fuse twobare or improperly lubricated metal surfaces together, thereby makingrelease of a forged article from within the die extremely difficult andin some instances, impossible. Thus, lubricants must be coated upon thedie surface to reduce the resistance to the flow of metal over the die,and to minimize the metal contact between the slug and the die. Anothereffect of the lubricant is to protect the die surface from wear causedby the projection of hot metal and oxide particles sliding across thedie surface at the high pressures employed in these operations. When thesurface of the die becomes worn in an irregular or non-uniform manner,which is known as galling, there results a surface which exhibits a highfrictional coefficient which then impedes the proper flow of the hotmetal.

Heretofore, the usual lubricants ulitized in hot forming applicationshave been mixtures of oil, fat and graphite. In view of the fact thatpresent day lubricant compositions and mixtures for high temperatureforming have been employed for an extensive period of time, and sinceinsignificant improvements have been obtained, little or no patentliterature exists with regard to these simplistic mixtures. However, theuse of these type lubricants for hot forming operations at temperatureswhich may range from 600 F. to in excess of 3000" F., leads to thecopious emission of smoke which results from the partial volatilizationof the oil from the hot metal surface. Moreover, smoke and dust areejected during the forging operation, per se. The smoke is caused as aresult of the incomplete combustion products of the oil while the dustis comprised of particles of graphite which are ejected from the diesurfaces during the forming operation.

2 Although various water base solutions of graphite or other solidlubricants have been tried, with varying degrees of success, theinherent disposal problems associated with graphite still exist.Attempts at using non-graphited solid lubricants such as mica andmolybdenum disulfide present new problems since these composi SUMMARY OFTHE INVENTION Accordingly, it is the primary object of the presentinvention to provide a new and novel lubricant composition capable ofbeing utilized in hot forming operations which will significantly reduceair and water pollution.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedlubricant composition which does not employ graphite particles.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide animproved lubricant composition for use in pressing and forgingoperations which will be readily and completely dischargeable from thedie cavities during the operation and prevent buildup of solid particlesin the die which would cause galling and changes of the die tolerances.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lubricantcomposition of the foregoing type which may be readily applied to diecavities by spraying, swabbing, or other current acceptable applicatingmeans.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improvedlubricant composition which will be low in toxicity so as not toendanger workmen or add to present day air and water pollution problems.

it is a particular object of the present invention to provide alubricant composition comprising a suspension of exfoliated vermiculiteparticles of predetermined size disposed in an organic film formingcompound which is either water soluble, water emulsifiable ornon-aqueous.

The use of exfoliated vermiculite particles provides a multiplicity ofadvantages in the lubricant system. Firstly, the exfoliated vermiculiteparticles, which are an inorganic pigment, are inherently laminar orplatelet and exhibit the typical greasy feel of a solid lubricant, anddo not decompose at the elevated temperatures encountered in hot formingoperations. Secondly, the porosity or sponginess of the exfoliatedvermiculite 20 particles results in the absorption of the organic filmforming compound for delayed or time-controlled release of the filmforming compound in the forging operation, as will be explained in moredetail hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The .foregoing objects, features andadvantages of the present invention will become more apparent from thedescription hereinafter when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the possible compositions of a watersoluble film forming system for use in hot forming applications, whereinthe percentage by weight of vermiculite is plotted as a function of thepercentage by weight of lignin sulfonate;

FIG. 2 is a graph of a water emulsifiable thermoplastic film formingsystem for use in hot forming applications. wherein the percentage byweight of vermiculite is plotted as a function of the percentage byweight of an acrylic emulsion; and

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the possible compositions of anon-aqueous organic film forming system for use in hot fonningapplications, wherein the percentage by weight of vermiculite is plottedas a function of the percentage by weight of bright stock paraffinicpetroleum oil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present inventionprovides a new improved hot forming lubricant composition comprising anorganic film forming compound which when subjected to the elevatedtemperatures of a hot metal slug (e.g., 2250 F.) and the surface of adie, rapidly decomposes and releases large quantities of gases whichbecome compressed and form a film between said hot slug and die surface.The lubricant also contains exfoliated vermiculite particles which serveas immobile nuclei to provide a retardant barrier to prevent theexplosive escape of the compressed gases. Thus, the gas layer itselfprovides increased cushioning in the form of an additional lubricantboundary layer created as the hot slug, via increasing pressure from thehammer or press, is pressed closer to the lubricant covered die surface.

The exfoliated vermiculite itself is a solid lubricant in that it is ofplatelet construction and provides a laminar lubricant boundary layerwhich permits the hot slug to flow thereover, thereby preventing gallingof the die surface. Moreover, the platelet construction of theexfoliated vermiculite particles renders the same extremely porous orspongy, whereby the organic film forming compound is absorbed in theinterplatelet spaces. Thus, as the slug passes over the laminarlubricating boundary formed by the vermiculite particles, the particlesare compressed and provide a delayed or time-release of the additionalorganic material stored therein, which thereafter decomposes, in themanner described hereinbefore. This action reinforces the previouslyexisting gas boundary layer. It is to be noted that the delayed releaseof the organic material has a significant effect upon the ability of theformed part to be released from the die, thereby preventing galling ofthe die surface and extending the die life.

The organic film forming compounds are divided into three groups, asfollows:

1. water soluble 2. water emulsifiable 3. non-aqueous.

The water soluble organic film fomiing compounds must be capable ofapplication upon a hot die or forming tool and also of immediatelyforming a coherent film with the exfoliated vermiculite particlessuspended therein. The foregoing must occur even though the die orforming temperature is above the boiling point of the water used as asolvent or carrier. Specific examples of the materials which may be usedas the organic film forming compounds are: lignin sulfonates, either intheir modified or pure form, or as the crude derivative of the blackliquor from the pulping of wood for the making of paper; sodiumgluconates, sodium heptaglu conates, cerelose (reducing sugar),polyethylene gycols 4 (preferably those having an average molecularweight in excess of 2000), PVCA (polyvinyl chloride alcohol), the watersoluble salts of rosin-maleic and the water soluble salts ofstyrene-maleic.

The water emulsifiable organic film forming compounds may be selectedfrom the group of emulsions of thermoplastic resins having meltingpoints essentially between 250 F. and 600 F. Specific examples of thesetypes of resin or copolymer resins are: acrylic, rosinmaleic,polyethylene, styrene, styrene-acrylic, rosin and styrenemaleicemulsions.

Attention is directed to the fact that the foregoing as well as othersimilarly suitable compounds are commercially available as stable andconcentrated emulsion systems.

The non-aqueous organic film forming compounds may be selected frompetroleum oils, synthetic lubricating or hydraulic fluids, vegetableoils, fish or animal fatty oils and esters of fatty acids.

While the foregoing list of compounds in each group are exemplary of thematerials which may be used in conjunction with the present invention,it is to be noted that combinations of the various compounds within eachgroup may also be employed; and mixtures of the water soluble group andwater emulsifiable group may also be employed in order to providecertain desirable film forming characteristics.

Experimentation resulted in the discovery that vermiculite was theproper inorganic pigment to be employed in the present lubricant systemsdue to the fact that the same was a solid laminar lubricant.Furthermore, the exfoliation of the vermiculite particles, by subjectingthe same to heat or certain chemical reactions, causes the particles toassume a platelet structure containing a fibrous and spongy constructionbetween the external laminar platelets.

We have found that the particle size is extremely important and in orderthat the system work effectively, the size of the vermiculite particlesshould not exceed 150 microns. The preferential particle sizedistribution should be one wherein at least of particles are of a sizewhich is less than 75 microns. The optimum particle distribution is onewhere substantially all of the particles are less than 50 microns insize.

In the laboratory, experimentations were conducted utilizing a blacksurface finish, heavy metal plate which was capable of being uniformlyheated to preselected temperatures of 325 F. and 450 F. Lubricantcompositions were formulated which utilized finely divided exfoliatedvermiculite particles, of the preselected sizes discussed hereinabove,uniformly dispersed in the variously hereinbefore described aqueous andnon-aqueous organic film forming compounds. The lubricant compositionswere then applied to the heated metal surface by either a uniformswabbing action or by means of a uniform spray. In many instances, bothtypes of application were employed since these application methodsclosely approximate actual industrial situations encountered incommercial hot forming operations.

It was readily apparent by visual inspection whether or not a lubricantcomposition had been formed which had a sufficient quantity of theexfoliated vermiculite particles to form a substantially continuouslayer. The results of several of these experiments are depicted in thegraphs of FIG. 1 through 3. The compositions depicted in the graphs areindicative of the various lubricant compositions which may be used forhot forming of metal parts and which are capable of application upondies by presently existent equipment.

With particular reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated the resultantsof the experimentation, as concerns a water soluble film forming systemwherein the various compositions envisioned are graphically depicted.The percentage by weight of the exfoliated vermiculite particles in thecomposition is plotted as a function of the percentage by weight in thecomposition of the organic film forming compound which was acommercially available lignin sulfonate compound. A study of the graphreveals that the percentage of the vermiculite particles employed mayvery between 0.125 and percent, while the percentage of the ligninsulfonate employed may vary between 2 and 65% percent. It is herein tobe noted that for any point chosen on the graph, the remainder of thecomposition comprises water in combination with small amounts of inertsand thickening agentsv An example of an inert is a defoaming agent whileone of the thickeners selected may be corn starch.

FIG. 2 illustrates the experimentation results for a water emulsifiablethermoplastic film forming system with the compositions contemplatedbeing graphically depicted. In this graph, the percentage by weight inthe composition of exfoliated vermiculite particles is plotted as afunction of the percentage by weight in the composition of thermoplasticin the form of a commercially available acrylic emulsion. Inspection ofthe graph reveals that the percentage of vermiculite particles employedmay vary from 0.1 to percent while the percentage of the acrylicemulsion utilized may vary from 0.3 to 40% percent. The remainder of thecomposition comprises water, inerts and thickeners, as were thecompositions in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 graphically depicts the non-aqueous lubricant systems envisionedby the present invention. In this system, the percentage by weight ofvermiculite particles may vary from 1 to 30% percent while the selectedoil, which was a bright stock paraffmic petroleum oil, may vary from 70to 99% percent.

In order to more fully apprise those skilled in the art in the practiceof the present invention, there are set forth hereinafter specificexamples of the present invention. The following examples were tested inconjunction with the fabrication of metal parts employing hot formingprocesses. In the following examples, all temperatures are in degreesFahrenheit and all ratios and percentages are by weight. While thefollowing specific examples are extensive, they are deemed to be merelyexemplary of and not limiting of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1 A lubricant composition of material was formed comprising 6%sodium heptagluconate, 2% exfoliated vermiculite particles and 92% of awater solution containing inerts and thickening agents. The compositionwas prepared as a uniform dispersion and was applied by means of apressure spray system to the hot dies in a 4,000 lb. drop hammer whichis used to form carbon steel valve bodies. The lubricant compositionformed a coherent film on the hot die surfaces. The part was forged froma metal slug which had been heated to a temperature of 2250F. Thelubricant composition exhibited good metal flow and releasecharacteristics in the forming operation and the dies remained smoothand clean. There was no evidence of impaction of the solid pigment orscratching or galling of the die.

EXAMPLE 2 A lubricant composition in the form of a uniform dispersion ofmaterial was prepared consisting of 20% of a commercially availablegrade of lignin-sulfonate, 1.3% exfoliated vermiculite particles and78.7% of a water solution containing inerts and thickening agents. Thislubricant composition was applied by means of a spray in a continuousmanner to bare tool steel wire that had been heated to a temperature of1 F, such that an essentially unifomi coating was produced. Theresultant dry coated wire was thereafter continuously drawn through adie on a conventional wire drawing machine while still elevated to atemperature above 1000 F. in a manner such that a 20 to 23% reduction inthe, cross sectional area was produced. The coating applied in theforegoing manner was the only lubricant employed and full drawing speedswere achieved along with excellent surface finish and die life.

EXAMPLE 3 A uniform dispersion lubricant composition was prepared whichcontained l5% of the alkaline salt of a rosin-maleic copolymer, 4%exfoliated vermiculite particles and 81% of a water solution containinginerts and thickening agents. The lubricant composition was applied tothe hot dies of a 6,000 lb. drop hammer used in the forming of threeinch stainless steel valve bodies. The lubricant formed a coherent filmon the hot die surfaces. The work piece was forged from a slug heated toa temperature of 2300 F. The lubricant permitted excellent metal flowand release during the forming operation while the dies remained smoothand clean with no indication of scratching or galling.

EXAMPLE 4 A lubricant composition in the form of a uniform dispersionwas formed consisting of 18% of a commercially available grade ofreducing sugar (cerolose), 6% exfoliated vermiculite particles and 76%of a water solution including inerts and thickening agents. Thelubricant composition was spray applied to a hot die utilized in theforming of gear blanks. The die operating temperature was in excess of400 F. and a coherent film was formed thereon. The carbon steel slugsemployed were delivered to the press at a temperature of approximately2250F. The gear blank was formed readily with good releasecharacteristics and there were no visible indications of abrasion orgalling of the die surfaces.

EXAMPLE 5 A lubricant composition was prepared consisting of 12% of acommercially available polyethylene emulsion, 6% of exfoliatedvermiculite particles and 82% of a water solution containing inerts andthickening agents. A uniform suspension of the lubricant was swabbedupon the hot dies of a 6,000 lb. drop hammer employed in the forging ofcone shaped parts from carbon steel slugs. The lubricant compositionexhibited good metal flow and release characteristics during the formingoperation. The part was readily formed with complete fill of the diecavity and no visible wear, abrasion or impaction of the pigment on thedie surfaces were observed.

EXAMPLE 6 EXAMPLE 9 A lubricant composition was prepared utilizing 30%of exfoliated vermiculite particles, 67% heavy weight l2% exfoliatedvermiculite particles, 85% petroleum 5 bright Stock ffi i i] (fl hi i 5and based lubricating Oil (flash P f Viscosity 3% animal fat. Thecomposition was continuously ap- SUS 150 at and 3% ammal A umform pliedto pickled, bare tool steel wire which had been Persion of thisComposition was swabbed the hot heated to a temperature of 1050 F. bymeans of a soap dies of a 6,000 p hammal' used in the forging of boxwhich preceded the die. The composition formed a cone Shaped Part5 fmmCarbon Steel Slugs- A uniform l0 uniform film on the heated wire. Thewire was thereaffilm of the lubricant compo i n w readily formed on tercontinuously drawn through a die on a conventional the dies and thelubricant exhIbIted good metal flow wire drawing machine, with thecoated wire Still at a and release Characteristics the dies beingtemperature in excess of 1oO0F whereby a rebright and Clean duction incross sectional area resulted. The foregoing l5 composition was the onlylubricant used and full draw- EXAMPLE 7 ing speeds, together with goodsurface finish and die lIfe were achIeved.

A lubricant composition was prepared consisting of EXAMPLE 10 25%exfoliated vermiculite particles and 75% of a compounded cylinder oilcontaining paraffinics and animal A lubricant composition was preparedconsisting of f 4% exfollated vermiculite particles, 3% hydrogenated at.A uniform dispersion was obtained and was applIed 0/ n bl l b bbin tothe hot dies ofa 2 500 ton ress utilized Castor 9 fommerca y l? 6 y Swap The umform CllS erslon of the com osmon was a lled In the forming ofaxle splndles. The-dies were readlly b p P pp y swabblng to the hot diesof a drop hammer used for coated and the part was formed with excellentmetal formin 1 l I b Th flow and ood release characteristics. The diesexhibg S m eSS-Stee Va W 0 6 parts. were g readIly formed with goodrelease action. The dies rel good weal qlialmes no Scratchmg or lmpac'mained clean and there was no evidence of galling of non of the solIdpIgment. the die Surfaces.

EXAMPLE 8 EXAMPLE ll A uniform dispersion of a lubricant composition wasA lubricant composition was prepared employing prepared consisting of 8%exfoliated vermiculite partil5% exfoliated vermiculite particles and 85%of a mixcles, 89% of a commercial polyalkylene glycol containture ofcommercially available tall oil and thickening ing thickening agents and3% animal fat. The composiagents. The comp i i n was ppli y bing to tionwas applied by swabbing to the hot dies of a press the hot dies of adrop hammer for forming carbon steel used for forming a cone h d t f dibodies and readily formed a uniform film on he ie bon steel. Thelubricant composition exhibited good surfaces. The part was formed froma slug heated to a metal flow and release characteristics while the diesretemperature of 2250" F. The lubricant exhibited good mained clean andbright with no evidence of galling. metal flow and releasecharacteristics during the form- Reference is now had to the followingcharts which ing operation while the dies remained smooth and set forthspecific examples of the compositions declean with no evidence ofimpaction or galling of the picted in FIGS. 1 and 2, as used in actualcommercial die surfaces. applications.

CHART l LUBRICANT COMPOSITION ExFoLIATED WEIGHT PART FORMING METHOD OFLlGNlN VERMICULITE WATER METAL PART (1.85.) TEMPERATURES PROCESSAPPLICATION suLFoNATE PARTICLES SOLUTION Steel Yoke 25 2250F. I500 tonSpray 5.34 L] l 93.55 1040 or Press intermittent above Steel Brake I2250F. 8000 ton Spray 1.35 0.39 97.76 1040 or Housing Press Continuousequiv. Steel Gear Blank 14s 2250E 12,000 lb. Swab 9.6 20 884 8600 withHammer Series Heavy Hub Steel Bearing 25 2250E 12.000 lb. Swab 9.6 2.088.4 8620 Ring Hammer Stainless 12 inch 2200F. 4000 lb. Swab 10.0 2.0880 Steel Flange Hammer 304 5.5. Automotive Crank 1900F. 3000 ton Spray6.0 1.2 92.8 Steel Shaft Press Intermittent Titanium "T" 2 to 3 I72SF.12.000 lb, Swab 16.0 3.3 20.?

Member Hammer l2.(l 6.0 85.50 Carbon Cone Shaped 22 22SUF 3000 ton Spray6.0 6.0 880 Steel Spindle Press Intermittent CHART ll LU BRICANT COMPOSITION EXFOLIATED WEIGHT PART FORMING METHOD OF ACRYLIC VERMICULITEWATER METAL PART (LBSJ TEMPERATUREROCESS APPLICATION EMULSION PARTICLESSOLUTION Steel Yoke 2250F. I500 ton Spray 2.78 1.12 96.1 1040 or PressIntermittent above Steel Brake I50 2250F. 8000 ton Spray 1.0 .4 98.61040 or Housing Press Continuous equiv. Steel Gear Blank 148 2250F.12000 lb. Swab 4.2 1.66 9414 8600 with Hammer Series Heavy Hub SteelBearing 25 2250F. l2000 lb. Swab 4.2 1.66 94.l4 8620 Ring HammerStainless 12 inch 100 2200F. 4000 lb. Swab 5.0 2.0 930 Steel FlangeHammer 304 85. Automotive Crank I75 l900F. 3000 ton Spray 2.5 1.0 96.5Steel Shaft Press Intermittent Titanium T 2 to 3 I725F. 12000 lb. Swab2.5 2.0 955 Member Hammer Carbon Cone Shaped 22 2250F. 3000 ton Spray2.5 5.0 92.5 Steel Spindle Press Intermittent It is thus seen that wehave provided new and novel lubricant compositions for use in the hotforming of metals which exceed the performance capabilities of 25 priorart hot forming compositions and which increases the die life. Thesecompositions also have the added desirability of being non-polluting,especially when com pared to presently employed graphite lubricantcompositions.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that while we havedelineated numerous specific examples of our invention, that there aremany possible changes, modifications and equivalents which may beeffected,

without departing from the spirit, teachings and scope of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:

l. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals andcomprising an organic film forming compound having exfoliatedvermiculite particles suspended therein, said exfoliated vermiculiteparticles having a substantially laminar construction and comprising aplurality of platelet members spaced from one another defininginterplatelet spaces, and a portion of said organic film formingcompound being absorbed by said particles and disposed in saidinterplatelet spaces said organic film forming compound being selectedfrom the group consisting of water soluble, water emulsifiable, andnon-aqueous compounds.

2. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said exfoliated vermiculite comprisesfinely ground particles of predetermined size. 3. A lubricantcomposition for use in the hot forming of metals in accordance withclaim 2, wherein said vermiculite particles are less than 150 microns insize. 4. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals inaccordance with claim 2, wherein all of said vermiculite particles areless than 150 microns in size and at least percent of said particles areless than 75 microns in size. 5. A lubricant composition for use in thehot forming of metals in accordance with claim 2, wherein substantiallyall of said finely ground vermiculite par- 65 ticles are of a size whichis less than 50 microns. 6. A lubricant composition for use in the hotforming of metals in accordance with claim 1, wherein said organic filmforming compound is water soluble and selected from the group consistingof lignin sulfonates, sodium gluconates, sodium heptagluconates,cerelose, polyethylene glycols, polyvinyl chloride alcohol, the watersoluble salts of rosin-maleic and the water soluble salts ofstyrene-maleic. 7. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming ofmetals in accordance with claim 6, wherein the amount by weight of theorganic film forming compound varies from about 2 to 65% of thelubricant composition. 8. A lubricant composition for use in the hotforming of metals in accordance with claim 7, wherein the amount byweight of the exfoliated vermiculite particles varies from about 0.125to 25% of the lubricant composition, and the remainder of saidcomposition comprises water. 9. A lubricant composition for use in thehot forming of metals in accordance with claim 8, wherein the water isin the form of a solution containing a thickening agent for increasingthe viscosity of the solution. 10. A lubricant composition for use inthe hot forming of metals in accordance with claim 1, wherein theorganic film forming compound is lignin sulfonate, and said exfoliatedvermiculite particles are of a size which is less than microns. 11. Alubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals in accordancewith claim 1, wherein said organic film forming compound is wateremulsifiable and is selected from the group of emulsions ofthermoplastic resins having melting points of from about 250 F. to 600F. 12. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said organic film forming compound iswater emulsifiable and is selected from the group of emulsionsconsisting of acrylic, rosin-maleic, polyethylene, styrene,styrene-acrylic, rosin and styrene-maleic emulsions. 13. A lubricantcomposition for use in the hot forming of metals in accordance withclaim 11, wherein the amount by weight of the film forming compoundvaries from about 0.3 to 40% of the lubricant composition.

1 1 14. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals inaccordance with claim 13, wherein the amount by weight of the exfoliatedvermiculite particles varies from about 0.1 to 30% of the lubricantcomposition, and the remainder of said composition comprises water. 15.A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals inaccordance with claim 14, wherein the water is in the form of a solutioncontaining a thickening agent for increasing the viscosity of thesolution.

16. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the organic film forming compound is anacrylic emulsion, and said exfoliated vermiculite particles are of asize which is less than [50 microns. 17. A lubricant composition for usein the hot forming of metals in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidorganic film forming compound is non-aqueous and is selected from thegroup consisting of petroleum oils, synthetic lubricating fluids,hydraulic fluids, vegetable oils, fish oils, animal fatty oils andesters of fatty acids. 18. A lubricant composition for use in the hotforming of metals in accordance with claim 17, wherein the amount byweight of the film forming compound varies from about 70 to 997: of thelubricant composition. 19. A lubricant composition for use in the hotforming of metals in accordance with claim 18, wherein 12 the amount byweight of the exfoliated vermiculite particles varies from about I to30% of said composition. 20. A lubricant composition for use in the hotforming of metals in accordance with claim 19, wherein said exfoliatedvermiculite particles are of a size which is less than 150 microns. 21.A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said organic film forming compound iswater soluble, the amount by weight of said film forming compound variesfrom about 2 to 65% of said composition, the amount by weight of saidexfoliated vermiculite particles varies from about 0.125 to 25% of saidcomposition, and the remainder of said composition is water. 22. Alubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals in accordancewith claim 1, wherein said organic film forming compound is wateremulsifiable, the amount by weight of said film forming compound variesfrom about 0.l to 30% of said composition,

and the remainder of said composition is water. 23. A lubricantcomposition for use in the hot forming of metals in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said organic film forming compound is non-aqueous, theamount by weight of said film forming compound varies from about to 99%of said composition, and the amount by weight of said exfoliatedvermiculite particles varies from about I to 30% of said composition.

1. A LUBRICANT COMPOSITION FOR USE IN THE HOT FORMING OF METALSEXFOLATED AN ORGANIC FILM FORMING COMPOUND HAVING EXFOLIATED VERMICULITEPARTICLES SUSPENDED THEREIN, SAID EXFOLIATED VERMICULITE PARTICLESHAVING A SUBSTANTIALLY LAMINER CONSTRUCTION AND COMPRISING A PLURALITYOF PLATELET MEMBERS SPACED FROM ONE ANOTHER DEFINING INTERPLATELETSPACES, AND A PORTION OF SAID ORGANIC FILM COMPOUND BEING ABSORBED BYSAID PARTICLES AND DISPOSED IN SAID INTERPLATELET SPACES SAID ORGANICFILM FORMING COMPOUND BEING SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF WATERSOLUBLE, WATER EMULSIFIABLE, AND NON-AQUEOUS COMPOUNDS.
 2. A lubricantcomposition for use in the hot forming of metals in acoordance withclaim 1, wherein said exfoliated vermiculite comprises finely groundparticles of predetermined size.
 3. A lubricant composition for use inthe hot forming of metals in accordance with claim 2, wherein saidvermiculite particles are less than 150 microns in size.
 4. A lubricantcomposition for use in the hot forming of metals in accordance withclaim 2, wherein all of said vermiculite particles are less than 150microns in size and at least 90% percent of said particles are less than75 microns in size.
 5. A lubricant composition for use in the hotforming of metals in accordance with claim 2, wherein substantially allof said finely ground vermiculite particles are of a size which is lessthan 50 microns.
 6. A LUBRICANT COMPOSITION FOR USE IN THE HOT FORMINGOF METALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CLAIM 1, WHEREIN SAID ORGANIC FILM FORMINGCOMPOUND IS WATER SOLUBLE AND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OFLIGNIN SILFONIATES, SODIUM GLUCONATES, SODIUM HEPTAGLUCONATES, CERELOSE,POLYETHYLENE GLYCOLS, POLYVINYL CHLORIDE ALCOHOL, THE WATER SOLUBLESALTS OR ROSIN-MALEIC AND THE WATER SOLUBLE SALTS OF STYRENE-MALEIC. 7.A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals inaccordance with claim 6, wherein the amount by weight of the organicfilm forming compound varies from about 2 to 65% of the lubricantcomposition.
 8. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming ofmetals in accordance with claim 7, wherein the amount by weight of theexfoliated vermiculite particles varies from about 0.125 to 25% of thelubricant composition, and the remainder of said composition compriseswater.
 9. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metalsin accordance with claim 8, wherein the water is in the form of asolution containing a thickening agent for increasing the viscosity ofthe solution.
 10. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming ofmetals in accordance with claim 1, wherein the organic film formingcompound is lignin sulfonate, and said exfoliated vermiculite particlesare of a size which is less than 150 microns.
 11. A lubricantcomposition for use in the hot forming of metals in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said organic film forming compound is wateremulsifiable and is selected from the group of emulsions ofthermoplastic resins having melting points of from aboUt 250* F. to 600*F.
 12. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said organic film forming compound iswater emulsifiable and is selected from the group of emulsionsconsisting of acrylic, rosin-maleic, polyethylene, styrene,styrene-acrylic, rosin and styrene-maleic emulsions.
 13. A lubricantcomposition for use in the hot forming of metals in accordance withclaim 11, wherein the amount by weight of the film forming compoundvaries from about 0.3 to 40% of the lubricant composition.
 14. Alubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals in accordancewith claim 13, wherein the amount by weight of the exfoliatedvermiculite particles varies from about 0.1 to 30% of the lubricantcomposition, and the remainder of said composition comprises water. 15.A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metals inaccordance with claim 14, wherein the water is in the form of a solutioncontaining a thickening agent for increasing the viscosity of thesolution.
 16. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming ofmetals in accordance with claim 1, wherein the organic film formingcompound is an acrylic emulsion, and said exfoliated vermiculiteparticles are of a size which is less than 150 microns.
 17. A lubricantcomposition for use in the hot forming of metals in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said organic film forming compound is non-aqueous andis selected from the group consisting of petroleum oils, syntheticlubricating fluids, hydraulic fluids, vegetable oils, fish oils, animalfatty oils and esters of fatty acids.
 18. A lubricant composition foruse in the hot forming of metals in accordance with claim 17, whereinthe amount by weight of the film forming compound varies from about 70to 99% of the lubricant composition.
 19. A lubricant composition for usein the hot forming of metals in accordance with claim 18, wherein theamount by weight of the exfoliated vermiculite particles varies fromabout 1 to 30% of said composition.
 20. A lubricant composition for usein the hot forming of metals in accordance with claim 19, wherein saidexfoliated vermiculite particles are of a size which is less than 150microns.
 21. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming ofmetals in accordance with claim 1, wherein said organic film formingcompound is water soluble, the amount by weight of said film formingcompound varies from about 2 to 65% of said composition, the amount byweight of said exfoliated vermiculite particles varies from about 0.125to 25% of said composition, and the remainder of said composition iswater.
 22. A lubricant composition for use in the hot forming of metalsin accordance with claim 1, wherein said organic film forming compoundis water emulsifiable, the amount by weight of said film formingcompound varies from about 0.1 to 30% of said composition, and theremainder of said composition is water.
 23. A lubricant composition foruse in the hot forming of metals in accordance with claim 1, whereinsaid organic film forming compound is non-aqueous, the amount by weightof said film forming compound varies from about 70 to 99% of saidcomposition, and the amount by weight of said exfoliated vermiculiteparticles varies from about 1 to 30% of said composition.